Since 2020, there has been a “very significant” increase in the number of road accidents. While the numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels, “the way they are going up is something that is of concern”, Mr Shanmugam said.
In 2024, there were about 7,200 road accidents, resulting in about 142 fatalities. The number of speed-related fatal accidents rose by almost 44 per cent from 2023 to 46 cases.
The number of speeding violations was also the highest in the past decade at 192,000 cases.
The Traffic Police has stepped up its enforcement, including activating the speed enforcement function in red-light cameras, but increased enforcement “has not been enough”, Mr Shanmugam said.
Enforcement is only one part of it. Everyone – driver, pedestrian, or cyclist – has a role to play, Mr Shanmugam said.
He stressed the need to build a culture where road safety is a priority, with motorists staying focused and driving carefully.
The police will continue to ramp up enforcement, including daily roadblocks at various locations, he added.
